Washington ESD unemployment training benefits - what programs are available?

That sounds perfect! Do you know how to apply for it? Is it through the same website as regular weekly claims?

You have to call Washington ESD to apply for training benefits. It's not something you can do online unfortunately. The application process takes a few weeks so start early.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found them when I was having trouble reaching Washington ESD about my adjudication issue. They help you get through to an actual agent - there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Never heard of that but I'll check it out. Anything is better than the runaround I got from Washington ESD customer service.

What's the difference between Training Benefits and Commissioner Approved Training? Which one is better?

Training Benefits gives you extra weeks of unemployment while you're in school. CAT lets you stay on regular UI without having to look for work while training. TB is usually better if you need longer than 26 weeks for your program.

I'm in a CAT program right now for medical assistant training. It's nice not having to do job searches every week but you still have to file your weekly claims and the program has to be on their approved list.

Did you end up finding an approved program? I'm looking at Bellevue College for their healthcare programs.

Yeah, I'm doing network administration at Seattle Central now. Bellevue College should definitely be approved - they're a community college and have good relationships with Washington ESD.

That's good to know. I better start researching specific job titles and salary ranges before I apply.

The labor market information is available on the Washington ESD website. They have data on job growth and wages by occupation which helps with the application.

That's amazing! How long did it take to get approved after you applied?

About 6 weeks from application to approval. The worst part was getting through to Washington ESD to submit the application in the first place.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr when I needed to talk to Washington ESD - claimyr.com connects you directly to agents without the endless hold times. Worth every penny when your benefits are on the line.

Training Benefits covers tuition, mandatory fees, and required books/supplies up to certain limits. You have to keep receipts and submit them for reimbursement.

Good to know. Those textbooks are expensive!

How many hours per week counts as full-time for their purposes?

Usually 20+ hours per week of classroom time, but it depends on the specific program. Best to check with the school's financial aid office - they usually know what Washington ESD requires.

That's a good question. Standby status has different rules than regular unemployment. You'd need to check with Washington ESD about whether training benefits are compatible with standby.

I think standby claimants can do Commissioner Approved Training but not Training Benefits. The rules are different because you're expected to return to your job eventually.

What's the minimum GPA you need to maintain?

I think it's 2.0 but double-check that. They also require you to complete a certain percentage of your courses each semester.

That alone makes it worth applying. The job search requirement is such a pain when you're trying to focus on getting better skills.

Right? Plus most of the jobs I was applying for were dead ends anyway. Better to invest time in actual training.

Private schools can be approved but they're more selective. The school needs to be accredited and the program has to meet their criteria for job placement rates and other factors.

I'll have to ask them about their accreditation and placement stats then. Thanks!

That's helpful! I'll look into their programs. Did he have any trouble getting the training benefits approved for that field?

Nope, IT is a high-demand field so Washington ESD is pretty supportive of those programs. Just make sure you can show there are jobs available in your area.

How far in advance should I apply? I have about 15 weeks left on my regular unemployment.

I'd say start now. Between getting through to Washington ESD, completing the application, and waiting for approval, it can easily take 2-3 months.

Definitely use Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD faster. I wasted weeks trying to call on my own before finding them. Their service is a lifesaver when you're dealing with tight deadlines.

I didn't know WorkSource was involved. Is that a separate appointment or part of the Washington ESD process?

WorkSource and Washington ESD work together on training programs. You can make an appointment with a WorkSource career counselor who specializes in training benefits.

I haven't heard of Career Bridge. Is that a specific school or type of program?

It's a program model that several community colleges use. They combine basic education with healthcare training to prepare people for entry-level healthcare jobs. Really good for career changers.

Congratulations! That's exactly what I'm hoping to achieve. Thanks for all the encouragement everyone - I'm definitely going to start the application process this week.

You got this! Just be persistent with the paperwork and don't give up if it takes a while to get approved.

This is incredibly helpful information! The tip about asking specifically for the "Training Benefits Unit" could save so much time. I had no idea that clinical rotations were viewed more favorably by Washington ESD. That's amazing that you went from $12/hour to $28/hour - that's exactly the kind of career change I'm hoping for. Did you have any trouble balancing the coursework with filing weekly claims, or was that pretty straightforward once you were approved?